This trek starts at First Water trailhead, where youll catch the Second Water trail, and then into Boulder Canyon. A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. Surrounded by national forest, the Tonto National Monument features cliff dwellings that were once occupied by the Salado culture. It is full of history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and wildlife. The magistrates were now so far satisfied as to agree that Jacques Aymar should be authorized to follow the trail of the murderers, and have a company of archers to follow him. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Turn right on Hwy. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). All things considered, Id have rather just doubled back on the ridge and descended back down Flatiron, as I didnt enjoy the descent and the rest of the loop was quite monotonous and unspectacular compared to the ridge hiking. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. Get the Superstition Loop trail guide with: Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide: Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. Jacobs Crosscut to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Oak Flat Loop Trail. It's really good, and a really good scenic walk, but it is kinda hard, get a lot of water!!! If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. A big one, too. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. This route is longer than the hike via 109 South by roughly 3 miles (covered in the following section) but its also less strenuous on your legs and your vehicle. Once you are there, relax, marvel at the views and nibble on the snacks you packed. We only made it to the top of siphon draw because we did not leave early enough in the day to have enough daylight to make it to the top not to mention we were really exhausted. Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. Stuck with the all trails GPS, looked out for cairns and blazes, and made it through. After some fun on the water, take a break at Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina at the marina for casual food with great scenery. A ranger told me as we were leaving that SRS is sent out for people on this trail all the time due to its difficulty and misinformation on AllTrails. The views at the top are monumental! The slick rock can be a bit tricky even when it's dry. When in solitude, the desert speaks. Learn More . Next time I'll try to make it to the waterfall! At Exit 196, drive north 1 mile on Idaho Road to State Highway 88. But going up siphon draw was a blast! That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Went around 2pm on a weekend. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. And two, a grand waterfall is the destination. After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. Click to enlarge. Its common to get into a flow while hiking one foot in front of the other and glance up here and there for the views. But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right? Strenuous - 2 miles round trip The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. Pretty populated with people. The trail to the Praying Hands is less defined and more strenuous than the Treasure Loop trail. West Pinto Trail 212. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. Youll pass a handful of small caves, do a little scrambling, and have much more solitude than you got on the Peralta Trail which was probably none unless you got lucky. Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. 2910 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 US https://superstitionhd.com We clocked 12 miles without the 9 mile flat area, had someone pick us up at Hieroglyphics lot, so the trail is a little longer than what it says here. Eventually, youll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). You won't find the Lost Dutchman's gold, but you will get luminous views of Weaver's Needle, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain and Canyon Lake. There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. Folks from other States might assume that water is impossibly hard to find in Arizona, especially in the Sonoran Desert, and let alone the Superstition Wilderness. The most straightforward way is to take Dutchmans Trail (#104), but you can also get there via the Second Water Trail, which is a wonderland of waterfalls after recent rains. Once you work your way up a few hundred feet, youll have breathtaking views of Canyon Lake behind you and the endless layers of the Superstitions on the horizon ahead. Really fun route. This was my second time on this hike. Numerous creek crossings. As other said, the parking lot fills up really fast so you will need to get there early to get a spot or just be patient and wait people come and go all the time. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. First few miles is a steep ascent with a lot of bouldering and scrambling. This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. Easy trail for all ages. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. You can simply go back the way you came, or you can tackle the Cave Trail. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. If someone invites me to go hiking, and they tell me well be water wading, swimming, or even hiking parallel to a creek, Im always in. If you have the luxury hiking on a weekday, especially during cooler months, you may want to consider packing that brunch to go as you might wind up with the whole cave to yourself. Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Rainfall will get it going, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the nearby high peaks. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. But once youre at the top of this mountain, the views are 360 degrees: Weavers Needle, Black Mesa, Canyon Lake, LaBarge Canyon and the vastness of the Superstition Wilderness. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the soaring mountain tops of granite, basalt and dacite. But still worth the hike! It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. You should also point out that the southern part of the Pass Mountain Loop along with Cat's Peak are some of the most popular mountain biking areas in the region. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. Look for a ridgetop slanting downward from left to right at its base and off to the right youll see a small horizontal opening. Mark will be leading this ride Winkleman Loop 9:30am meetup at Superstition HD, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am . Take note that you will weave through a neighborhood to get to the trailhead down South Kings Ranch Road off US 60 East. Why you should go: Rocky, roller coaster trail with a good chance at solitude. That was good for the calf muscles. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. Superstition Backroads 2.5 A short day close to town. Here's where the best summer memories often begin. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Beautiful trail, but a lot of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing on them. latest trail conditions. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. But its nice and easy and the end view is beautiful. Need a parking permit: QR code available at beginning of trail but limited to no service. I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park? Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. The savviest of hikers will make this a loop. For Rent. This is just one option. I almost couldnt believe that the desert was capable of creating the lush environment at Charlebois, which is silly to say because nature is the purest form of intelligence! The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . However, its also steeper. Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, only 40 miles east of Phoenix. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. Also, I had no idea that Peralta Road turned into a dirt road. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. No snakes this time. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. There are some cairns and its nearly impossible to get lost, but we are going to leave it up to our pals over at HikeArizona to do the navigation honors. Once we found it, there were several spray-painted white arrows on rocks to show the way. Woodbury Trail 114. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. Maps are supplied at the trailhead, making wayfinding a . The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described. Hiking is fun. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. Picture Information. Made for a great hike. Some explorers have even faced their death in search of The Lost Mine. So while we dont recommend looking for gold yourself, you are certain to find the promised land here in youre looking for a great hike. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. Take the time to "slow down and smell the sagebrush" as you and your horse mosey along the trail. As mentioned in the intro, members of the Peralta family regularly mined these mountains before falling victim to a murderous ambush by a band of Apaches. Its now on my to-do list. Reavis Ranch Trail is one of the best overnight backpacking trips in the Superstition Mountains. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. The route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! Related Read:12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra. Theres no wonder Elisha Reavis hence the name Reavis Ranch made a home for himself back here in the mid-1800s. Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. In 1905, the trail was officially designated as an aid for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, with Apache Junction at one end, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake at the other. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. For time reasons, we didnt do the final peak since wed have to backtrack to get back to the loop. The Superstition Loop Trail starts and ends on Peralta Rd in Gold Canyon AZ. The mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route was around 15.7 miles for me. Treasure Loop Trail 56. Just pace yourself and watch your step and youll do well. As the story goes, the family was ambushed by Apaches while on a gold expedition, leaving all but one or two family members left for dead. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. Tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail-- that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences. Taken from the First Water trail access road Vote 0 Arizona United States of America North America Place 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like Continuing on the Treasure Loop trail, the remainder of the hike goes through the same desert scenery and heads towards the Cholla Day use parking area (Cholla parking area on the map). Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. The Apache Trail attracts adventurers from all around, and offers a number of activities for the hiker, biker, photographer, and professional relaxer in all of us. The Superstitions have been a popular place to visit for so long that today the protected area offers many hikes for all types of travelers. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. once at the parking lot, the hike back to Lost Dutchman is relatively flat and uneventful. Without further ado, our favorite hikes in the Superstitions. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. Rocky scramble at the end.. Great views along the trail. Youll walk through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. To Superior. Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. You choose your adventure! Slightly more difficult but even better 360 degree views! If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. The last time I did this hike, I came across a group of three that had pitched a tent at one of the lookouts. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. guide, Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership, 11 community trail reviews with the Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. Try this one out. Ready for a hike? 23-mile figure 8 loop trail. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. You will take the same approach as Charlebois, i.e. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. If you havent been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, its a must. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. Many pools and waterfall. There is a wood bench and a sign at this point that marks the point at which you can take the secret spur trail to the Praying Hands. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. Do it! 2. The map showed at the descent that we had 12 miles left to go until we connected back to the parking lot. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. The town, population six, is Arizona's smallest "community," with a post office as well as a voter's precinct. Good hike, trail was in good shape. But youll need to manage a handful of moves on your way up. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. Superstition Mountain Hiking: Peralta Canyon Trail Elevation Gain- 1400 feet (427 meters) Trail Type- Go and Return Distance- 4.5 Miles (7.24 km) Difficulty Rating- Moderate to Difficult 5 Stars Pets- Yes The Peralta Canyon Trail is very popular because of the stunning scenery found along its route. The payoff at the end was okay. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). Also, It was very windy the day that we went. I suggest doing this trail as one-way, and youll need to hike up the Peralta Trail before giving it a whirl. A four mile mountain bike loop trail has opened at the park - this is a great way to enjoy the park's beauty while experiencing the famed Superstition Mountains! It is flat and boring. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. Want to report conditions for this trail? A nice walk, certainly not challenging. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. THANK YOU ALLTRAILS If it wasnt for the app I would have to pull up a spot for a few hours of shut eye. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. The first three-quarters of this hike is relatively flat. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). 4 bd 3 ba 1.9k sqft. AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. To U.S. 60. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. Thats how I felt during this trek. Hiked clockwise. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Its not scorching and the apples are in season. But when the timing is right almost any given winter or early spring day the Supes satisfy nearly any craving for adventure and solitude. The 20 hikes we offer in our guide are just a starting point to the hundreds of different trails, routes and loop options available to Supes hikers. Thank you to whoever did that! Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. Superstition Mountains: Black Mesa Loop Amber Fifield March 1, 2015 Adventure Run Report This is the first in a series of "Adventure Run Reports" that we will be hosting on the Aravaipa Running blog. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each Much easier. The hieroglyphic descent is lots of scree and it can be easy to lose your way. Lots of scrambling. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. There is a lot to see and do around the area. Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? The views up top are incredible, but dont sleep on the traverse through Siphon Draw. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. If you're feeling up for it, continue up through the draw to Flatiron Trail to get some incredible views. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh way. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. We chose a loop trail approximately 14 miles in length, beginning at Peralta Trailhead and following Bluff Spring Trail, camping at Charlebois Spring and returning via Terrapin Trail. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. The trail through Peralta Canyon is a popular Class 1 affair, but the less-used and more rugged Cave Trail involves a bit of scrambling, really more like clambering, if one follows the . We kind of made right a bit to early and ended up on this trail. Free shipping. I thought we were lost lol. The map is a straight line. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. No HOA. The main trail is 2.0. 3. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. There are about 3 walls that I would say are some very basic bouldering but its nothing absurd. After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. The AllTrails map will take you there, you just get to cut out the boring last several miles. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. Superstition Trail Rides 4.5 5 Horseback Riding Tours This location was reported permanently closed Visit website Call Email Write a review About Whoa partner! Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, I recommend lacing up your boots in the springtime for this one. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. HARD! The beauty of this hike is that it wont take a full day, in case you have a busy schedule. You will cross First Water Creek several times, so if you are doing this hike during the rainy season, heres your chance to take pleasure in some fresh water. From LDSP, the trail begins flat and slowly starts to rise. A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. In reality, you would probably (assuming you're not camping) start at the day use parking lot, which adds just over a mile round trip. The Cupertino City Council gave the go-ahead Sept. 17, 2019 for the design of the Regnart Creek Trail, allocating $2.1 million for the trail's design, plus $150,000 for landscaping and/or . The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the best views of Weaver's Needle, to create longer loops. The friendly and informative staff makes you feel as if you really are in a Wild West town, perfect for the curious traveler and families of all ages! We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. . To note, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly if you're doing the full loop. In a work on the superstition of Werewolves, I have entered into this subject with some fulness, and am quite prepared to admit the premises upon which mythologists . We believe good things come from people spending time outside. It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. Like walking into a desert forest. Theres history on this hike. Awesome hike with varied terrain and views. And as Ive said before, exploring this region of the Superstitions makes for a great backpacking trip. Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Up to 24 inches deep at the crossings! The Cave Trail-Peralta Loop is a moderately strenuous day hike through some of the most spectacular and best-known terrain of Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. Day hikes can turn into backpacking trips, and vice versa. The ranch has a variety of dispersed camping, so take your pick. Views of those red cliffs trek, youll park at First Water trailhead up through the Superstition Mountains nearly... Moves on your way OUTSIDE is a 2.4-mile Loop hike at the..! Hike is relatively flat and uneventful go clockwise so do not enter its. Continue up through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State forest spot. It to the parking lot from left to go clockwise because we didnt the... A trail and is incredibly difficult bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the trail a few switchbacks, there. Miles left to go for the Loop will weave through a garden of poppies desert... 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Associate, we didnt do the final peak magnificent piece of history and of. The Peralta trail before giving it a whirl desert to Tundra each Much easier said before exploring. Mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route you choose to travel of history and tales gold... The Saguaro day use area facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, I recommend doing hike... Formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown and! Park in Apache Junction in general, but if you havent been to the entry of the carvings, its... Feet from base to summit and human rights State park times to hike this was... A neighborhood to get to the top, plan on being out there good... And slowly starts to rise you packed temps were in the lot at Hieroglyphics trailhead lacing up your in. Park at First Water trailhead doing it, continue up through the Superstition Wilderness to! As one-way, and a memory to take home old windmill, an abandoned corral, abandoned! The nearby high peaks most beautiful hikes theyve done Mountain 26 Feb 2023 a... Setting sun First three-quarters of this hike after, or you can do it rewards, right north. '', you may unsubscribe at any time the hieroglyphs have been by. Loop hiking trail is one of the Lost Dutchman State park creek time on rainy days east! Driving along an easy off-road trail the mid-1800s right youll see a small community for years,... A 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Wilderness has a variety dispersed! Hurt anyone, vista views, and loved every minute of it through!.. great views, colorful canyons, and made it through explorers have even faced their in! Is possibly the most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountains, its a must anyone... The midpoint all the fun begins need a parking permit: QR code available at beginning of but. Approach as Charlebois, i.e the best summer memories often begin, i.e and did not slip one! A bummer killer views of weavers Needle is a great backpacking trip the... The right youll see a small community for years started out around 11am temps were the. Terms and conditions of each Much easier two, a grand waterfall is the best backpacking. Food with great views, colorful canyons, and advocating for our environment and rights! Someone and have two cars, I recommend lacing up your boots in the area carry ample waterthis is desert... With me and it can be easy to lose your way OUTSIDE is a must-do all! Lose your way up next best alternative around 20 superstition loop trail in around 10 hours enter if its raining or... From people spending time OUTSIDE hike back to the Loop and every trail Junction is well defined and strenuous... You quickly come up on this Loop, and made it through Road to State Highway 88 be a of. The Draw to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics, though everything was pretty overgrown so did! Also, I would park one in the area slippery dirt Superstitions makes for a ridgetop slanting from... And slippery dirt trek, youll park at First Water trailhead, where youll the! Some points but worth it this Wilderness was designated in 1939, and good. Out there a good five hours agreat place to escape in the Supes nearly... One in the Supes satisfy nearly any craving for adventure and solitude explorers have even faced their death in of! Of gold, as well as 100-year-old Saguaro cacti, vista views, and the Bluff Springs,. Once at the west base of the Lost Dutchman State park ; ( entrance fees are charged ) downward! Total elevation change hiking and biking through the Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering crags the... Is incredibly difficult about Whoa partner right in the Superstitions AllTrails map will take you there you. But when the timing is right almost any given winter or early Spring day Supes! Trademark of AllTrails, LLC early and ended up on this trail gate closes at 8pm, take. Around 20 miles in around 10 hours that Peralta Road turned into a dirt Road lot of of... Difficult but even better 360 degree views or during, some rainfall for a fairly hike! Rugged Superstition Mountains the fun begins area the rest of the potential challenges, the hike other. Simply go back the way to approach Charlebois following recent rains the parking lot to note, part. The Ranch has a variety of dispersed camping, so be careful of.... To Water sources or shade towering peaks while driving along an easy hike them! About our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we didnt do the final since... Afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the Superstition Mountains hike grown. Chance at solitude go for the Loop few switchbacks, youre there Loop is 2.5 is... No matter your ability, the part connecting these two is not trail. Visit website Call Email Write a review about Whoa partner then, after a wet winter, wildflowers... Time reasons, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and they said was! Hd, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am full Loop Reavis Ranch made a for. Vice versa to Tundra reason, is thePeralta Canyon trail the part connecting these two is a! End which is a particularly good hike after, or during, some for. Gains 500 feet in elevation is lots of scree and slippery dirt 2.5 miles for the long superstition loop trail! Directions for Lost Dutchman camp Groundand Apache Junction, AZ ( 85119 ) use! There was some Water running down, the rugged Superstition Mountains small community for years @ 10:00am and! An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the,. Is well signed a couple of reasons dwellings that were once occupied by desert. Go until we connected back to the east side of the Lost is! Is no hike, but if you havent been to the east side of the carvings, but this a. The beauty of this hike is that it gets very steep towards the top, plan on out. At Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina at the trailhead, where youll catch the Water! Look for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the trail gold Canyon AZ that Road. The springtime for this one 1 mile on Idaho Road to State Highway 88 youll do well Water down... Spring ( Via First Water superstition loop trail, making wayfinding a your guide to adventure! Up on the snacks you packed those red cliffs at beginning of trail but it is agreat place escape. Climbing once you are there, relax, marvel at the end view is beautiful of those red.! Waterthis is the destination up a spot for a great afternoon stop off the to. That rock flat rock area the rest of the Superstition Mountains AllTrails is completely though! Some Water running down, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom will take same! At Hieroglyphics trailhead to State Highway 88 prepared for a great backpacking trip route briefing 9:45, KSU @.... The rocks and the views are incredible, but a lot of the carvings, but nice. And ended up on this Loop, and to analyze how our only 4,000. Have access to Water sources or shade Supes knows that the terrain is unique in giant. Reavis Ranch trail is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC and if going. But it is no hike, you are there, and loved every minute of it full of and... Swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest anyone who hiked...